Best Bars for Expats in Kumamoto

Aug 28, 2024

Best Bars for Expats in Kumamoto

Kumamoto is one of the best spots for nightlife on Kyushu Island. In the downtown area, particularly Sakae Dori, expats can find plenty of haunts where they can enjoy a tipple, grab a spot of food and meet like-minded people. Whether you’re looking for a small cosy pub, a live music venue or something more clubby, there will be something that tickles your fancy. Here’s some of the best foreigner-friendly places.

Jeff’s World Bar

Something of an institution for expats and locals alike, Jeff’s has been catering for worldwide partygoers in Kumamoto since 1999. It’s located on the 2nd floor of a building in Sannen-zaka dori in the downtown district and now has two rooms, although it’s lost none of the intimate atmosphere and still packs out most weekends and evenings. The bar is free entry and stays open until 2:00 a.m. (extending to 3:00 a.m. on the weekends). Music is mostly a mix of hip-hop and RnB. Look out for special party events around Christmas and Halloween.

Address: 2F, 1-4-3 Shimotori, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto 860-0807

Detour

A relatively new addition to Kumamoto’s bar scene, Detour was opened in 2019 by expats who had been associated with Jeff’s Bar. It’s another good venue for night owls, opening until 2:00 a.m. The staff are friendly and multilingual, speaking languages including Japanese, English, Chinese, French and Russian. Drinks include beers, mojitos, ice cream cocktails and flaming shots. Located in a basement on Ginnan-kita dori, Detour has pool and darts facilities and also runs karaoke activities.

Website: https://bardetour.com/

Glocal BAR Vibes

This third floor bar in the downtown area offers up something a bit different to the norm. It’s where you can try shochu, a Japanese rice-based tipple similar to sake but nowhere near as well-known. Shochu specialist Noriyuki Yamashita aimed to change that when he opened up Glocal BAR vibes. You can enjoy a shot of this beverage for around 900 yen. Expats are welcomed and there is a social atmosphere here, with newcomers encouraged to mingle and introduce themselves via a microphone close to the bar.

Address: 3f Arita Building, 1-5-6 Shimotori, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto 860-0807

Voyager

A little further afield in the Kuhonji district on the east side of the Shirakawa river, Voyager nevertheless attracts a crowd on account of offering something a little bit different. The brainchild of an American beer lover and a Japanese DJ, this is Kumamoto’s premier craft beer establishment. There are around 30 different brews on offer plus a fine selection of whiskeys and a food menu including burgers. The bar is also a great place to catch live music and other arts events showcasing some of the local talent.

Website: https://voyager-beer.com/

Rock Bar DAYS

Rock Bar DAYS is something for the alternative rock music fan, combining an earthy bar with an independent record shop vibe. Owned by local country musician Charlie Nagatani (known to many as the Johnny Cash of Japan) who also runs the local Good Time Charlie music venue, this is a place where you can come to sip alcohol, browse through around 10,000 CDs stacked in wall cabinets and watch a selection of live gig recordings from popular artists played on a large video screen. The bar also serves food including noodle and curry dishes.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RockBarDAYS/

https://publicdomainq.net/shochu-japanese-liquor-0014762/, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons